How to become a RN with a BS in Biology?

Lame · Jul 28, 2012

You should look into accelerated BSN programs. They usually take a year to a year and a half. However, your main problem would be taking prereqs. From what I know, bio majors seem to have very different classes from pre-nursing majors. This is what you would be if you start over. I would look into taking classes at your local community college after you graduate. You will need the core classes like anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology. I'm not sure if you would need english and statistics since you would be a 2nd Bachelors student. Nursing programs are extremely competitive to get into so I would apply to as many places as possible once you're finished w/ prereqs. Also, look into some volunteer/paid work at a hospital. Many nursing schools will give you extra points for having healthcare experience.

Just research the schools you are interested in & they should be able to give you more specific info.

Good luck!

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Jul 28, 2012

Yes, exactly as above. The accelerated BSN programs were made for people like you. You likely have some of the prereqs for nursing, and certainly have the aptitude for the coursework if you succeeded as a bio major.

Kelly185891 · Jul 28, 2012

What about financially? I not capped out yet but its only a matter of time. Will I till be able to get loans?

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2012

I don't think getting an ASN is "moving backward". It's a means to an end. You can earn an ASN, then work while going on to the BSN. We have a few people in my ASN class that already have Bachelor's degrees in other fields but who either couldn't get jobs or didn't want to be in that field any more. Yes, you want the BSN but getting the ASN could still be an option. I'm sad that someone said anything to you about moving backward. So not true.

melmobley · Jul 29, 2012

I'm in the same boat about to graduate with a degree in biology from the University of Mississippi and After this year I don't think I'll be able to get anymore student loans. From what I hear absn is more expensive than getting a bsn and the cheapest route is an adn program. I am going to go the adn route for that reason and because I want to start working as soon as possible. Plus I'm tired of taking pre-reqs and like someone said before me an adn program requires less pre-reqs. Also there are a lot of rn-msn bridge programs that I could do online.

TroyNSG · Jul 30, 2012

Students with a bachelors degree are eligible for admission into the ASN program at Troy University. For consideration you must submit all official transcripts and have an overall GPA of 2.5/4.0 on all undergraduate work attempted. Most post-bachelors students in the ASN program are eligible for very limited or no financial aid because it is a lower level degree and there is already a high number of hours completed.

willowita, ADN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

If you have a BS, then you can apply to an accelerated BSN program or an entry level master's program. You should be able to get financial aid if you're in either an ABSN or ELMSN program. You will have fewer options for financial aid if you go into an ADN/ASN program since you won't be eligible for grants and your school may limit access to federal loans.

There are a lot of ADN programs that allow students with a bachelor's to apply to their program. So look through your state's BON website for approved schools. There has to be another CC that will accept students like you.

Kelly185891 · Jul 31, 2012

Thank you all for your great advice. I have a lot to think about and finally feel like I have a plan of what I want to do when I graduate! Also thanks Bloomgirl118 for your compassion. They made me feel stupid for even thinking I could get an ADN if I already attained a BS

BlueChocolateCat · Jul 31, 2012

A lot of universities and colleges offer accelerated programs to individuals who already have degrees. However, the only way to be come an RN is to graduated from an accredited nursing program.

Madison1379 · Aug 4, 2012

You can always CLEP out of the Prereqs for nursing. I am sure 90% are issued by CLEP